Unlike other 20th century American composers, such as Copeland, Bernstein and Ives, Barber

showed little interest in traditional "American" musical styles. However, the slow theme which begins

the second of his three Essays for Orchestra somehow sounds essentially American, though it is by

no means folksy. The work falls into three linked sections. Structurally it could be called a

three-movement symphony. As in any well-written essay, Barber explores different facets of his

themes, using a variety of rhythms and contrasting orchestral colors. An agitated section leads to a

fugue, showing how Barber's technical skills could be used to create deeply emotional music. In the

moving climax of the final section the trumpets return to the main theme.

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